International Culture and Diversity Day held on campus

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Waynesburg University held its International Culture and Diversity Day to celebrate and discover new cultures. The event, coordinated by Dr. Sut Sakchutchawan, associate professor of business administration and director of international studies at Waynesburg University, featured nine student presentations about culture and diversity around the world.

Sakchutchawan, who referenced the book of Matthew verse 28:18-20, said that the special day would provide insight and inspiration for many more Waynesburg University students to take advantage of rapid globalization, which makes travel more accessible.

“It is important to understand and engage others both locally and internationally,” Sakchutchawan said.

Students presented to a large Goodwin Performing Arts Center audience about their individual experiences studying, sight-seeing or serving abroad. They spoke for five minutes each about various countries including Cambodia, Italy, Taiwan, Tanzania, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Korea and the United Kingdom.

After all students presented, a panel of five judges, comprised of Waynesburg University faculty from multiple academic departments, awarded three prizes to the best ranked presenters. Dr. Jacquelyn Core, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of Waynesburg University, congratulated first place winner David Nicholl, a freshman from Northern Ireland studying at Waynesburg University for the fall semester, who presented about his native country.

Core awarded second place to Elizabeth Hollis, a senior middle level education major from Pittsburgh, Pa. (Baldwin High School), who spoke about her Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) study abroad experience in New Zealand last semester. Stella Park and Byul Han, co-presenters about their native Korea and study exchange students, earned third place at International Culture and Diversity Day.

In her closing remarks, Core urged the audience to take inspiration from the presenters.

“If you get an opportunity to live in these places, talk to these people and immerse yourself in their cultures, take that opportunity,” Core said. “Take an adventure; not just to learn about these diverse cultures but to actually go experience them.”

Waynesburg University Trustee John D. Woodward, Jr., who has spent time traveling and doing business abroad, also spoke about globalization.

“The world is growing smaller and smaller because of the rapid movement of people, things and ideas across space,” Woodward said. “Globalization is a good thing because it allows us to leverage all the talents around the world.”

In closing, he commended the student presenters and told students in the audience that globalization will only increase during their lifetimes and to take advantage of the study abroad and exchange opportunities at Waynesburg University.

Other student presenters included:

Jacklyn Collius, a senior history major from Penndel, Pa. (Neshaminy High School)

Amelia Graves, a freshman international business major from West Falls, N.Y. (Orchard Park High School)